The three cursed years of the No. 7 Toyota at Le Mans

2017 

No. 7 by Stéphane Sarrazin, Mike conway et Kamui Kobayashi in 2019. © François Flamand / DPPI

The 2017 edition seemed destined to Toyota n° 7 after a record pole position signed by Kamui Kobayashi. An average of 3'14”791 at 252 km/h which Pascal Vasselon still remembers. “ In 2017, when Kamui did this time, we saw exceptional grip conditions and that's why we launched him at that time. This time, for several years, we were not able to get close until last year when, with good grip conditions, Kamui was 3'13''800 or 3'13''900 s 'he hadn't gone out to Tertre Rouge ". With two TS050s out of three on the front row, the Japanese team started in a strong position against Porsche. However, after seeing Sébastien Buemi staying two hours in the pits following a problem with a screw, Kamui Kobayashi got confused at the exit of the pit lane in a grotesque situation. While the race was neutralized, the Japanese was waiting for the Safety Car to pass before leaving, but saw an orange man waving at him. Thinking that it was a marshal, the pilot decided to leave… but his team ordered him to stop immediately. The track record holder then played with his clutch instead of using his electric motor and the clutch failed the following lap. A confusion due to the man in orange who was ultimately not a commissioner, but another participant in the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to congratulate him...

2019 

New concern in 2019 for No. 7. © Frédéric Le Floc'h / DPPI

It was a sensor problem which derailed the race of the No. 7, although it was at the head of the race one hour from the goal. This faulty sensor made the pit wall believe there was a puncture at the right front when in reality it was… at the right rear. The wrong tire had therefore been changed in the stands and Jose Maria Lopez then found himself completing a lap at a slow pace, allowing the sister car no. 8 to take back the reins of the race which it was no longer going to give up. Mike Conway, José María López and Kamui Kobayashi had nevertheless dominated these 24 Hours and even Sébastien Buemi, winner that day, did not take full advantage of his second consecutive victory. “IThey were faster, there are hardly any explanations to look for. They have performed very well during the season and deserve more victories than they have achieved. And today, what happened is hard to accept. I feel sorry for them. It's motor racing, I'll take this victory, but I really want to congratulate them “, declared the Swiss. “ I cried during the entire lap in slow motion, said José Maria López. It hurts, but that's how it is. Everyone can tell us they're sorry, but unfortunately nothing will make us feel better right now. Unless the drivers of the No. 8 give us their Rolex (watch offered to the winners. Editor’s note).” Two years later, Pechito finally no longer needs to ask for it.

2020 

The No. 7 remained immobilized in the pits for a long time while the turbo problem was resolved. © Thomas Fenetre / DPPI

José Maria López said it after his success on Sunday: “ Le Mans chose us this year » (see box). Perhaps he had in mind the events of last year, an edition during which fortune had abandoned the crew of the No. 7 while the trio Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José Maria López had a lead of 'a ride on the sister car. Fifteen minutes after a pit stop, the Toyota TS050 Hybrid returned to the pit lane at 2:40 a.m. on Sunday morning. While at the wheel, Kamui Kobayashi indicated to his engineers a loss of power. The car was returned to its box and the engine cover removed. Back on track half an hour later, 6 laps behind the #8 driven by Brendon Hartley, the LM P1 could not catch up. This year, it was the 8 which attracted the problems.